A Bit of Denmark: 5 Unmissable Bits of Copenhagen

Summer in Copenhagen, just writing the phrase has me humming along to the dulcet harmonies of Danny Kaye as Hans Christian Andersen heading in for a visit. The days are endless, Tivoli is open and everyone is outside enjoying the fast, few months of warm weather. Don’t miss it – it’s only an hour and a half flight from London!

Here are my 5 unmissable Best Bits of Denmark’s capital city:

TIVOLI

Tivioli is a must – no matter how old you are! The park has been in existence for 174 years! I love that it’s founder created it because “when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics”. I am happy to report the words Brexit or Obamacare did not pass our lips while on any ride.

If you eat there, which is very hard not to do, your choice has to be Grøften, which has been around for 131 years. Try their Danish Platter – meatball, herring, cheese, and other home-cooked teats – to taste the country on one plate and sip it down with Aquavit or a Carlsberg!

CANAL BOAT TOUR

See the city by boat before you walk down a street. Not only is it fun, but also it will give you a good bearing of the town, that was once one of the world’s greatest nautical powers.

Smørrebrød and/or Michelin Starred Meals

Smørrebrød are the iconic Danish open-faced sandwiches which are the go-to lunchtime treat. You can find them everywhere, but Schønnemann’s is the oldest place in town from 1877 or Ida Davidsen which is a relative newcomer having started serving in 1888!

While you’re waiting for Noma to reopen, there’s a load of other Michelin starred restaurants in which to indulge. Kong Hans Kælder is my favourite as it was the first in Copenhagen to receive a Michelin back in 1983 and still on the list!

The Admiralty Hotel

It may not be the grandest hotel in town, but I love the Admiralty! Albeit not as luxurious as other hotels (no air-con!), the views are terrific, the breakfast fantastic and like all Scandinavian hotels, you don’t need to ask for down pillows. Walking distance to everything and right on the water with a lovely bar to take in the sun, The Admiralty is also seconds away from the Royal Palace and everyone’s favorite statue of The Little Mermaid.

SHOPPING

Shopping is great in Copenhagen – from woolly, fluffy things to put around your head, neck and throat, to brightly colored Legos and sleek Bang & Olfason speakers – the Danes have it covered. Wonderful walking streets with quiet squares, like Nikolaj Plads, home to one of the oldest churches in Norway, now a art exhibition center and a great place to have coffee outside or dine inside, while waiting for the first snow fall!

When I was 13, I saw Venice for the first time and immediately fell in love with La Serenissima, thus I knew then and there that my stay at home days were over. It was always a dream to see the whole world, I am making that happen. With a well-worn copy of Freya Stark’s autobiography in my back pocket, I have set out to bring you the Best Bits this world had to offer.